Social Justice

Salt intake in India

Context: Indians are consuming more than the WHO-recommended amount of salt every day, 8 gm instead of 5 grams across all categories of people, according to a recent survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The study is based on a sample survey carried out as part of the National NCD Monitoring Survey (NNMS) in India

About salt intake in India

  • Salt intake was higher in men (8.9 gm), employed people (8.6 gm), and current tobacco users (8.3 gm). 
  • The consumption was also higher than the mean among obese persons (9.2 gms) and those with high blood pressure (8.5 gms). 

Need for limiting salt intake

  • Salt reduction is a cost-effective and practical approach to preventing cardiovascular disease (the foremost cause of mortality worldwide).
  • Cardiovascular diseases account for an estimated 28.1 % of total deaths in India. In 2016, 1.63 million deaths were attributable to hypertension compared to 0.78 million deaths in 1990. Reducing salt intake to 5 grams can reduce high blood pressure by 25 percent. 
  • The Indian economy faces losses surpassing $2 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to cardiovascular diseases according to the World Economic Forum.
  • India has got a score of 2 which signifies the presence of at least one voluntary policy, emphasising the need for more rigorous efforts to address this health concern.

WHO Guidelines on Sodium Intake recommends

  • A reduction in sodium intake to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and coronary heart disease in adults. WHO recommends a maximum intake of <2000 mg/day sodium (<5g/day salt) in adults.
  • Implementing front-of-pack labelling to help consumers select food products with lower sodium content.
  • All 194 Member States of WHO have committed to reducing population sodium intake by 30% by 2025 in 2013. However, as no country in the world is on track to attain this target. WHO has proposed 30% reduction target for 2030.
  • WHO has documented progress to date on policies through Sodium Country Score Card. It assesses country implementation of sodium reduction policies and other measures, allocating a score from 1 (for lowest level of implementation) to 4 (for highest level of implementation).

Suggestions for reducing Sodium Intake

  • Maximum sodium content limits in foods: Setting of global sodium benchmarks is critical to facilitate reformulation of food products, which contributes to driving progress in sodium reduction.
  • Healthy public food procurement & service policies: Government should lead by example through the implementation of mandatory policies of sodium reduction that cover food and beverages purchased, subsidised, prepared, served in public agencies.
  • Marketing restrictions: Implementing mandatory marketing restrictions is needed to limit exposure to unhealthy foods and beverages, to decrease demand for these products and to provide industry incentive to reformulate and market healthier products.
  • Fiscal policies: Fiscal policies to reduce population sodium intake include taxes on unhealthy foods and beverages or removing tax benefits for development and marketing of foods high in sodium. They can be strengthened by earmarking revenue for subsidies for fresh fruits and vegetables, or for implementation of other sodium reduction strategies.
  • Use natural salt substitutes: Like lemon and its zest, which give a tangy effect and also help bring down blood pressure. Crushed garlic, oregano, black pepper and seasoning make for good coverage in salads. 
  • Reducing salt cravings: Drinking water infused with lime, orange and mint to reduce craving. Salt cravings make you thirsty and indicate magnesium and calcium deficiencies, which need to be corrected.

Government Initiatives

  • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has implemented the ‘Eat Right India’ movement to transform the nation’s food system to ensure secure, healthy, and sustainable nutrition for all citizens. 
  • FSSAI launched a social media campaign called ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam.’ However, the average Indian’s sodium intake remains alarmingly high (approximately 11 grams).

About National NCD Monitoring Survey (NNMS)

  • It is the largest comprehensive national Survey on risk factors and health systems preparedness of non-communicable disease (NCD) conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Centre for Disease Informatics & Research (NCDIR), Bengaluru, Government of India with the support of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • It also provides framework on the use of telemedicine for cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, and stroke. 
  • The survey was conducted with the purpose of collecting the reliable baseline data on key indicators such as select NCDs, risk factors, and health systems response related to the National NCD monitoring framework and its Action Plan.
  • The year 2010 will serve as a baseline for assessing the progress made for achieving the NCD targets in 2015, 2020 and 2025. 

What are the findings of the Parliament panel on the New Education Policy?

Context: Recently the Parliament Standing Committee on Education, headed by Vivek Thakur, tabled a report during the special session of Parliament on the “Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 in Higher Education.”

Issues discussed by the panel? 

  • Rigid separation of disciplines
  • Limited access to higher education in socio-economically disadvantaged areas 
  • Lack of higher education institutes (HEIs) that teach in local languages
  • The limited number of faculty
  • Lack of institutional autonomy
  • Less emphasis on research
  • Ineffective regulatory system and
  • Low standards of undergraduate education

Findings of the report? 

  • Minimal role of Central HEIs: The report noted that of the 1,043 universities functioning in the country, 70% are under the State Act and that 94% of students are in State or private institutions with just 6% of students in Central higher educational institutions, stressing the importance of States in providing higher education. 
  • Better Implementation by J&K: The Committee appreciated how the NEP was implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. It said that the Union Territory was among the first in the country to implement NEP from the academic session 2022 in all its higher educational institutions. 
  • A paradigm shift in the methods of teaching: The panel said it witnessed a paradigm shift in the methods of teaching, leading to lifelong learning opportunities for students. 
  • Implementing the multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) system is a challenging task: The panel said that Indian institutions were likely to face several issues in implementing the multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) system.
    • The panel said while the MEME looked like a flexible system, which was being operated by Western educational institutions effectively, it might not work well in the country. 
    • “If institutions allow MEME, it would be very difficult for the institutions to predict how many students would exit and how many would join midway. Since institutions would not know the in- and out-traffic, it will certainly disturb the pupil-teacher ratio,”.

Recommendations of the panel? 

  • Comprehensive awareness campaigns and infrastructural development: The panel has called for comprehensive awareness campaigns and infrastructural development in remote areas and urban slums to improve access to education in marginalized communities. 
  • Assessment of technological infrastructure: The panel has recommended an assessment of the technological infrastructure in higher education institutions, besides “proper involvement” of the student community, for a smoother implementation of the NEP. 
  • Training of teachers: The panel has recommended training of teachers who work in marginalized communities. 
  • Scholarship and financial support: The panel has recommended providing more financial assistance and scholarships to socially and economically disadvantaged groups (SEDGs) in both public and private higher education institutions (HEIs). 
  • Community engagement: The panel has recommended community engagement, besides collaboration and partnership with NGOs and civil society organizations, to ensure that the benefits of the NEP reach marginalized communities. Ensure proper involvement of the student community for the successful implementation of the NEP.
  • Inclusive admission processes and curriculum: The panel has recommended making admission processes and curricula more inclusive. 
  • Increasing employability potential: The panel has recommended increasing the employability potential of higher education programs. 
  • Developing more degree courses taught in regional languages: The panel has recommended developing more degree courses taught in regional languages and bilingually
  • At least one multidisciplinary HEI  in every District: The report also highlights the need for every district in India to have at least one multidisciplinary HEI by 2030 and 
  • Increase GER up to 50%: The panel recommended increasing the gross enrollment ratio in higher education, including vocational education, from 26.3% in 2018 to 50% by 2035 by Setting clear targets for higher Gross enrollment ratios for SEDGs.
  • Well-defined framework to execute the MEME system:  develop “comprehensive guidelines and a well-defined framework” including specific eligibility criteria and credit transfer mechanisms, besides wider consultation with the educational institutions and other stakeholders to execute the MEME system.
  • Improving the effectiveness and impact of the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA): HEFA should diversify its funding sources beyond government allocations and explore partnerships with private sector organisations, philanthropic foundations, and international financial institutions. HEFA should review and adjust interest rates on loans “to make them more competitive and affordable” for HEIs.
  • Improve Technological infrastructure: Assess the technological infrastructure in higher education institutions, besides “proper involvement” of the student community, for a smoother implementation of the NEP. Adopt modern cloud-based technologies to create a more efficient, transparent, and student-centric ecosystem in higher education institutions. Take specific infrastructural steps to help physically challenged students.
  • Improve Gender equality: The panel has emphasized Enhancing gender balance in admissions to HEIs.
  • Stop ragging: the panel has asked to strictly enforce all no-discrimination and anti-harassment rules to reduce the cases of ragging in HEIs.

National Education Policy 2020, Multiple entry, exit option in higher studies may not suit India: House panel

Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, headed by Vivek Thakur, has advised the Centre to discuss it with all stakeholders. In a report titled ‘Implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020 in Higher Education’, the panel said Indian institutions were likely to face several issues in implementing this system.

What is  Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit?

  • It allows a student to drop their course and resume it when convenient. A student unable to continue his/her studies due to financial difficulties can exit to find a job and make money so that the studies can be resumed. 
  • In other words, the MEES is an opportunity for financially challenged students to complete their studies on their own. 
  • Probably the economic factor is only one among many that causes dropouts in higher education.
  • Other reasons like social, familial, religious, etc., are also prevalent in India. For example, girls who get married early or are pregnant while pursuing a degree and those who are experiencing physical hardship due to accidents or diseases will see the MEES as a blessing. 
  • A more in-depth analysis of the concept shows practical complications and the attempt to turn education from a social responsibility to a personal responsibility.
  • The Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (MEME) option in the New Education Policy 2020 is a provision that allows students to enter and exit academic programs at different stages while earning credits for the completed courses. 
  • It provides flexibility to learners by enabling them to choose their academic pathway and pursue a combination of disciplines. 
  • The MEME system aims to curtail the dropout rate, improve the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), and offer creative combinations of study disciplines1. Undergraduate degrees are designed to be either 3 or 4 years long, with multiple entry and exit options within this period. 
  • Students can receive certifications such as a certificate after completing 1 year in a discipline, including vocational and professional areas; a diploma after 2 years of study; or a Bachelor’s degree after a 3-year program.

Concerns associated with MEME

  • If institutions allow MEME, it would be very difficult for the institutions to predict how many students would exit and how many would join midway. Since institutions would not know the in- and out-traffic, it will certainly disturb the pupil-teacher ratio.
  • The members of the panel also expressed concern that uneven geographical distribution of higher educational institutions would create hurdles in managing MEME in several areas, mostly the countryside.
  • The institutions have not thought very clearly about this problem and how they will resolve it when it is at their doorstep.
  • Though enrolment in higher education in India is only about 26%, the dropout rate is low compared to the school level. According to figures released by the Minister of Education in Parliament in February 2020, the dropout rate in IITs is just 1% in 2020. But with the implementation of MEES, this is likely to rise sharply. The concept of multiple exits legitimises student dropouts.
  • The MEES does not have the provision to ensure that the students who exited will join back.
  • The vast majority is likely to fall into the trap of deciding to go as far as possible with the work they are currently doing and the pay they are getting out of it. Fatalism is a major driving force for a majority of Indians.
  • Institutes may impose restrictions on the number of students likely to resume their studies each year. So, MEES would not ensure entry according to the will of the students, but on the conditions of the institutions. 
  • At the same time, multiple-entry admission in government colleges and universities can be given only by following the reservation policy. Private institutions, on the other hand, would deem this a good opportunity to charge exorbitant fees to those students who seek entry back to resume their studies.
  • MEES may appear to be a student-friendly policy, but it implies that education is a private responsibility. While no child in a financially secure home will drop out of college due to the want of money, MEES, if implemented, will result in a distorted educational experience for financially disadvantaged students.
  • However, with the general consensus that students can study on their own, it will be a good justification to withdraw all such scholarships.

Suggestions

  • The panel recommended the Union Education Ministry have wider consultations with various universities/institutions, their regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to devise ways given the difficulties being faced in implementing the MEME options.

Govt aims to implement Reservation for Women in next LS elections

Context: The central government is planning to roll out reservation of seats for women, which is linked to the delimitation exercise, in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. 

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the NCT Delhi. This will also apply to the seats reserved for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and state legislatures.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts about Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023/ Women’s Reservation Act.

Mains: Political Representation of Women in India: Status, Initiatives and Challenges.

This article explores the 106th amendment to the constitution, reason for its introduction and provisions of the amendment act. It also explores the concerns associated with the amendment and suggests some way forward.

Reason for Introduction of the Bill

  • The representation of women in the Indian Parliament and state assemblies is significantly lower than their share of the population.  
  • According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, India ranks 148th out of 193 countries in terms of women’s representation while the global average is 26.5%. 
  • Women’s representation in state assemblies is also dismal, ranging from 3.1% in Nagaland to 23.1% in Bihar. 
  • In the Lok Sabha, women make up less than 15% of the total strength.  
  • In the Rajya Sabha, women's representation is around 14%.

Women Reservation Act, 2023  

The Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023 also known as Women Reservation Act, 2023 aims to provide 33 percent reservation to women in both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and state Legislative Assemblies.  

This Act is similar to the previous attempt in 2010, The Constitution (One Hundred and Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2008, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha but not taken up by the Lok Sabha. 

Highlight of the Act

The Act seeks to introduce three new articles and one new clause in the Constitution and has a sunset clause. 

  • New Clause in 239AA: This clause mandates the reservation of seats for women in the Delhi Legislative Assembly. 
  • Additionally, one-third of the seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) shall also be reserved for women, as well as one-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct elections. 
  • New Article - 330A: This article focuses on the reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha.  
  • It specifies that one-third of the seats reserved for SCs and STs shall be reserved for women.  
  • Furthermore, one-third of the total seats to be filled by direct elections to the Lok Sabha shall also be reserved for women. 
  • New Article - 332A: This article pertains to the reservation of seats for women in every state Legislative Assembly. 
  • It follows a similar pattern, reserving one-third of the seats for SCs and STs for women, as well as one-third of the total seats to be filled by direct elections to the Legislative Assembly. 
  • New Article - 334A: This article deals with the implementation of the reservation.  
  • It specifies that the reservation shall come into effect after the delimitation is undertaken following the publication of relevant census figures.  
  • There will also be a rotation of seats for women after each subsequent exercise of delimitation. 
  • Sunset Clause: The Act has a sunset clause, which means that the reservation for women will be in effect for a period of 15 years from the commencement of the Act. 

Advantages of the Act  

  • Gender Equality, representation and Empowerment: by ensuring that women have equal access to decision-making positions in the government.  
  • Accommodative Decision Making: by Increased representation of women in politics bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. Women's unique insights into issues such as healthcare, education, gender-based violence, and family welfare can result in better-informed legislation. 
  • Role Models: When women hold prominent political positions, it sends a powerful message to the entire nation, inspiring women and girls to pursue leadership roles in various fields. 
  • Social Development:  Research indicates that countries with higher levels of women's political representation tend to have better outcomes in areas such as healthcare, education, and poverty reduction. 
  • Fostering Inclusivity:  By encouraging political parties to field more women candidates it can lead to a broader spectrum of women from different backgrounds, including those from marginalised communities, entering politics. 
  • Enhanced Accountability:  With increased women's representation, Women lawmakers may prioritise issues such as women's rights, healthcare, and education, leading to greater accountability in governance.  
  • Legal Protections: Women in politics can protect women's rights, such as laws against gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and discrimination. 
  • Global Recognition: Passage of the Act would enhance India's global image as a nation committed to gender equality and aligns with international goals, such as those outlined in the Goal 5 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
  • Long-Term Impact: The act by reshaping traditional gender norms and expectations can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society where women have greater opportunities for leadership and decision-making. 

Case Studies on Present Reservation for Women in Local Governments  2004 paper by Esther Duflo and Raghabendra Chattopadhyay on panchayats in West Bengal and Rajasthan   

It found that women leaders invest more in public goods and ensure increased women’s participation in panchayat meetings.    

2008 paper by Vijayendra Rao and Radu Ban   

It found that women leaders perform no differently than their male counterparts in south India and instead institutional factors such as the maturity of the State’s panchayat system were more relevant.  

2010 paper by Pranab Bardhan and others   

It found that women’s reservations worsened the targeting of welfare programmes for SC/ST households and provided no improvement for female-headed households.  

Study in 2011 across 11 States by Ms. Duflo and others   

It reaffirmed that women-led panchayats made higher investments in public services like drinking water, education, and roads.  

2020 paper by Alexander Lee and Varun Karekurve-Ramachandra   

It examined reservations in Delhi and found that constituencies reserved for women are less likely to elect OBC women and more likely to elect upper-caste women.  

Case Study 

Women Reservation: Not Just a Number Game  

  • Different Approach: Male Members of Parliament (MPs) mostly focus on finance, defence, external affairs, the PMOs, etc. as found in different studies whereas women representatives particularly focus on critical matters such as healthcare, education, roads, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 
  • Political Affiliation and Government Accountability: Female MPs from the ruling party, as found in different studies, have demonstrated a significantly higher level of scrutiny towards their own government, holding their own ministries accountable in comparison to male MPs. 
  • Reinforcement of other Rights: According to a report of United Nations 2011, The political empowerment of women plays a vital role in reinforcing civil and human rights through direct engagement of women in public decision-making. 
  • Policy Formulation and Implementation Gaps: As majority of the beneficiaries of some government initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana are women, their participation in formulation of policies and implementation ensure effective implementation of such schemes.

Concern with the Act  

Legal and Constitutional Concerns: 

  • Contingent on Delimitation: The reservation will take effect post-delimitation following the publication of the Act and post delimitation census figures. 
    • If the reallocation of seats between States is purely based on population, the southern States’ share in the Parliament will drastically reduce which is likely to open the fault lines of India’s delicate federal relations. 
    • This could also delay the implementation of women's reservation, possibly until 2029. 
  • Identification of reserved seats: The Act does not specify the method regarding identification of the reserved seats for women. 

Political Concerns: 

  • Opposition from Political Parties: They argue that women from marginalised communities like Other Backward Classes (OBCs) should also have reserved seats within the women's quota. 
  • Lack of Consensus: Despite support in principle by political parties, disagreements on the implementation details and sub-reservations have hindered the Act's passage. 
  • Impact on Existing Power Structures: Increasing the representation of women may necessitate a shift in political dynamics and party hierarchies which could affect existing power structures. 
  • Lack of Deliberation and Analysis: The introduction and passing of act surreptitiously through a “supplementary list” in a hastily organised Parliament session shows the lack of deliberation and analysis. 

Social Concerns: 

  • Representation of Diverse Groups:  The concerns have been raised about the need for diversity within the women's quota from diverse backgrounds, including different castes, religions, regions, and economic strata. 
  • Empowerment vs. Tokenism: Some critics argue that merely reserving seats may not necessarily empower women unless they have a meaningful role and voice in decision-making processes. 
  • Social Norms and Stereotypes: Deep-rooted social norms and stereotypes about women's roles in society and politics can be a barrier to the effective implementation of the Act e.g., issue of Sarpanch Pati. 
  • Changing perceptions about women's capabilities and roles in leadership positions is a long-term challenge. 
  • Inclusivity of Marginalised Groups: The Act's implementation left out the marginalised groups of women, such as those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women from indigenous communities.

Way Forward: 

  • The Act’s aim of providing women representation is a way to promote social justice in India. This can be supplemented by providing special quotas to marginalised women to make it more representative and inclusive.  
  • The Act is an important step in the direction of promoting an enabling environment for the participation of women from all backgrounds in public life which can have profound, positive implications for society as a whole.   
  • The Act is an important step towards implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals as well as India’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. 

Global report on hypertension

Context: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its fir-ever report on the blood pressure (hypertension), also known as silent killer. 

About hypertension

  • It is commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure levels in the arteries. 
  • It is typically measured as two numbers, systolic (when the heart beats) and diastolic (when the heart is at rest) pressure.
  • Can be controlled effectively with simple, low-cost medication and preventive measures.
  • Healthy eating, tobacco cessation, and increased physical activity can reduce blood pressure.

Key findings of the report

  • Approximately 4 of every 5 people with hypertension are not adequately treated, but if countries can scale up coverage, 76 million deaths could be averted between 2023 and 2050.
  • Report is based on the analysis of the data where blood pressure is 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher or a person is taking medication for the condition.
  • The number of people living with hypertension doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion. 
  • Nearly half of people with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their condition. More than three-quarters of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries.

Key findings about India

  • Hypertension is the most important risk factor for death and disability in India.
  • Only 37 per cent of Indians with hypertension are diagnosed and only 30 per cent get treated. 
  • At present, only 15 per cent of those with hypertension in the country have it under control.
  • More than half of all the deaths in the country (52 per cent) due to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack can be attributed to elevated blood pressure.
  • Primary triggers for hypertension in India are high salt intake, tobacco use (28%), obesity, alcohol consumption and lack of physical exercise (34%).
  • In National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5 ) reported a hypertension prevalence of 24% in men and 21% among women in 2016-2020, an increase from 19% and 17%, respectively, from the previous round (2015-16). 

Malaviya Mission: Teacher Training Programme

Context: The Ministry for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has launched the Malaviya Mission for the training of teachers in higher educational institutes. 

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About Malaviya Mission

  • It is a teacher training programme that aims to provide tailored training programmes for teachers. This programme will work for the capacity building of faculty members in higher educational institutions.
  • Organised by University Grants Commission, in association with the Ministry of Education.
  • Aims to improve the quality of teachers’ training, build leadership skills in teachers and help realise the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP).
  • The capacity building under this Mission will be mapped to the credit framework to ensure career progression pathways for educators.
  • There are the theme-wise training sessions. 

The 8 themes include 

  1. Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education, 
  2. Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), 
  3. Academic Leadership, Governance and Management, 
  4. Higher Education and Society, 
  5. Research and Development, 
  6. Skill Development, 
  7. Student Diversity and Inclusive Education and 
  8. Information and Communication Technology. 
  • Human Resource Development Centres to be revamped and known as Madan Mohan Malaviya Teachers Training Centres.
  • Monitoring and quality assurance of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme would be undertaken by the UGC Committee after conducting one round of training programme.

Objectives of the Scheme: 

Salient objectives of the scheme in alignment with NEP 2020 are:

  1. Improving the quality of Education at all levels by infusing quality and excellence in our teachers and teaching.
  2. To develop innovative teaching method and high-level institutional facilities in all the constituent areas of higher education. 
  3. To impart pedagogy-related training and improve faculties’ soft and practical skills.
  4. To ensure holistic development of the teachers and learners with inculcation of ethics and human values as enshrined in Indian culture.
  5. To develop multidisciplinary and critical thinking ability.
  6. To familiarize the faculty with the Indian Knowledge Systems.
  7. To build respect for the eco-balance and biodiversity existing in the nature. University Grants Commission 7
  8. To undertake quality research in line with the local, national, and global needs.
  9. To make it known that higher education is for social upliftment and inclusiveness.
  10. To develop the know-how to prepare transformative pedagogy with ICT intervention.
  11. To build life skills and global citizenship values.
  12. To ensure the role of faculty as active participants in institution building.
  13. Improve the quality of teaching and empower Faculty members through training, induction, refresher and short term programs and ensure their continuous professional development.

Significance of Malaviya Mission

  • Improve the quality of education at all levels by infusing quality and excellence in teachers and teaching methods. 
  • Ensure continuous professional development and help in building capacities of 15 lakh teachers of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through 111 Malaviya Mission centres across India in a time-bound manner.
  • Theme-wise training sessions will help enthuse “Samagrata” in the participants. 

In India, 74% can’t afford a healthy diet: UN agency report

Context: The report, ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2023, was published recently shows that while the cost of a healthy diet has increased in recent years in India, it is still the lowest among the BRICS nations (including the newly added six countries) and India’s neighbours. However, the share of people who can afford such a healthy diet is still low: India features at the bottom of that list since income levels are stagnant or going down.

About ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report

  • This is the most intensely scrutinized FAO’s annual report presents the headline number of undernourished people around the world while advocating for strategies against hunger and malnutrition. 
  • SOFI is jointly produced with fellow UN agencies IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO.
  • In the SOFI report, the cost of a healthy diet is arrived at by looking at the cheapest local food items that meet dietary guidelines. 
  • The cost and availability of such food items are averaged from national data. 
  • To check if the diet is affordable, its cost is compared to the average income in each country. 
  • A diet is considered too expensive if it costs more than 52% of a country’s average income.
  • This percentage is based on data showing that people in low-income countries spend about 52% of their income on food. 
  • The percentage of people who cannot afford this diet is then calculated by using income distributions within a nation. 

Major Findings of the Report

  • The report points out that the cost of meals in Mumbai rose by 65% in five years, while salaries/wages rose by just 28%-37%. 
  • In India, a healthy diet costs 3.066 PPP dollars per person per day, the lowest among the countries considered. PPP stands for ‘Purchasing Power Parity’. 
  • In India, 74% were not able to afford a healthy diet, the fourth highest share among the nations considered. 
  •  The expense of maintaining a healthy diet increased by almost 9% in Asia between 2019 to 21 — the highest across regions. 
  • Between 2019 and 2021, Asia followed by Africa recorded the highest growth in the number of people who could not afford a healthy diet. The two continents together made up 92% of the worldwide increase. In Asia, South Asia had the highest number of people (1.4 billion) and the highest share (72%) who could not afford a healthy diet. This rate was nearly double the average for the region. In Africa, Eastern and Western Africa together had the most people (712 million) and the highest share (85%) who could not afford a healthy diet.

The state of scholarships for minorities

Context: In the past few years, the Centre has discontinued two key educational schemes for religious minorities, narrowed the scope of another and gradually cut down on the expenditure incurred on multiple programmes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Importance of Scholarships for Religious Minorities

  • India is home to over 30 crore (20%) people from religious minority communities. These include six religions notified under Section 2(c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. Among them, Muslims make up the largest religious minority but face challenges in various sectors. 
  • Their participation in salaried jobs is low and many are engaged in the informal sector, characterised by low wages, weak social security and poor working conditions. The Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee was constituted by the UPA government to look into the social, economic and educational standing of Muslims in India. In a comprehensive 400-page report tabled in Parliament in 2006, the Sachar Committee concluded that the Muslim minority was neglected in almost all dimensions of development. “By and large, Muslims rank somewhat above SC/ST but below Hindu OBCs [Other Backward Classes], Other Minorities and Hindu General [mostly upper castes] in almost all indicators considered,” the report stated. 
  • Around the same time, the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government accepted the long-pending demand for a Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2006. The new Ministry was to “ensure a more focused approach” on issues affecting the notified minorities, especially “educational empowerment, economic empowerment, infrastructure development and special needs.”
  • Directive Principles of State Policy require the state to ensure the welfare of the citizens, for example, Article 38 requires the state to minimise the inequalities in terms of income, status, facilities and opportunities.
  • To achieve the objectives of the slogan sabka sath sabka vikas it is necessary to equal opportunity for quality education to sections of the society.
  • Access to quality education for sections of society is crucial to realise the objectives of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
  • We are aspiring to become a developed nation by 2047, inclusive development is the only way to achieve this aspiration.

Some of the Scholarships for Minority 

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme-  One of the first central sector programmes implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The scholarship was initially awarded to minority students from class 1 to 10 and ranged between ₹1,000 and ₹10,700 for each selected candidate. The scheme has now been discontinued for classes 1 to 8, only covering classes 9 and 10 in its revised form. 

The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme- for students of class 11 and above (till Ph.D). It aimed to give minority students access to quality higher education, with a scholarship ranging between ₹2,300 and ₹15,000. The funds for this scheme increased from ₹515 crore to ₹1,065 crore this fiscal year. 

The Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship Scheme- targeted professional and technical courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Eligible candidates in any of the 85 institutes listed under the scheme are reimbursed full course fees, while those in other institutions are reimbursed course fees worth ₹20,000 per annum. The scholarship scheme saw a major reduction in funds in 2023-24. It was allotted ₹44 crore this year, while last year’s allotment was ₹365 crore. 

Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF)-The scheme provided financial assistance for five years to research scholars pursuing an M.Phil and PhD from institutions recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Under the scheme, junior research fellows received a grant of ₹31,000 for the first two years while senior research fellows got ₹35,000 per month for the remaining tenure. The MANF benefited over 6,700 candidates between 2014-15 and 2021-22, with ₹738.85 crore paid before it was cancelled in 2022. 

The Padho Pardesh scheme was launched to provide better opportunities for higher education abroad, providing an interest subsidy on education loans for overseas studies to students belonging to economically weaker sections of minority communities. However, this scheme was discontinued from 2022-23. The scheme benefited 20,365 beneficiaries since its inception in 2006. 

The Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship was for meritorious girls to pursue higher secondary education and was provided by the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF). The scholarship has had zero allocation this year. 

The Naya Savera was a separate programme launched to provide free coaching to minority students for entrance to technical and professional courses and competitive examinations. In the Union Budget 2023-24, the scheme was allotted ₹30 crore but the Centre has since discontinued the scheme stating that the New Education Policy 2020 does not support coaching programmes. Official records show that 1.19 lakh students benefited under the scheme. 

The Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas and Minorities (SPEMM), a centrally sponsored umbrella programme, has a sub-scheme, the Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasas (SPQEM), under which recognised madrasas receive financial assistance to introduce ‘modern’ subjects such as science, mathematics, social studies, Hindi and English in their curriculum. The scheme was allocated ₹10 crore for the financial year 2023-24 — more than 90% less than the allocation in 2022-23, which was ₹160 crore.

Consequences of discontinuation of scholarship programmes

Social consequences- The minority community is already backward as affirmed by the Sacher committee if the youth of this community are deprived of quality higher education then there is a higher chance that they may be trapped in social evils like communalism, and crimes.

Political repercussions-uneducated generations are breeding grounds for polarisation of the society by political parties as is evident from our own history. In the long run, depriving a  community of quality education can hamper the unity and integrity of the nation itself.

Economic fallouts- we can't achieve the goals of inclusive and sustainable development by depriving a section of quality education, because education is crucial to fostering productivity and equitable resource distribution.

Way forward

  • The government should adhere to constitutional morality of ensuring the welfare of all of its citizens without discriminating on the grounds of religion, race or region.
  • The government can promote the NGOs in this sector so that it can achieve its target of availing quality education with reduced economic burden.
  • Ensure adequate employment opportunities at the local level so that people can afford quality education on their own.
  • Community leaders can come forward to ensure quality education for the community by resource pooling.

Social Safety Net

Context: Around 53% of all the salaried workforce does not have any social security benefits in India, Says the Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2021-22.

Social safety nets are non-contributory transfer programs generally targeted to the poor or those vulnerable to shocks, e.g. 

  • Cash transfers are either targeted or not, either conditional or not.
  • Food or other in-kind distribution. 
  • Public workfare jobs.
  • General price subsidies, e.g., for food or fuel.
  • Fee waivers for essential services such as health or education.

Importance of Safety nets 

  • Safety nets enable households to make better investments in their future.
  • Safety nets help households manage risk e.g., health risk.
  • Safety nets help communities create assets.
  • Safety nets help governments make beneficial reforms that improve growth prospects.

Status of Safety Nets in India

  • According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey Annual Report 2021-22, around 53% of all the salaried workforce does not have any social security benefits in India.
  • In India only 1.9% of the poorest 20% quintile of India’s workforce has access to any benefits. 
  • Gig workers, or approximately 1.3% of India’s active labour force, rarely have access to any social security benefit. 
  • Mercer Global Pension Index (2021 MCGPI) ranked India at 40 out of 43 countries. 

Steps taken by Government 

The government has put in place economic safety nets comprising the world’s largest free food program, direct cash transfers and relief measures for small businesses: 

  • Barbell Strategy: The government opted for a “Barbell Strategy” that combined a bouquet of safety-nets to cushion the impact on vulnerable sections of society, with a flexible policy response based on a Bayesian updating of information. 
  • Creation of Fund: The National Social Security Fund was set up for unorganised sector workers, with an initial allocation of just ₹1,000 crore to support schemes for weavers, rickshaw pullers and bidi workers etc. 
  • Push for Digitisation: Government has giving push to reduce human interference to reduce the corruption and get the benefits of social security scheme to citizen e.g., e-Shram platform has enabled the enrolment of approximately 300 million workers while expanding coverage of accident insurance (of ₹2 lakh cover) and disability (of ₹1 lakh cover).
  • Cash transfer: Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) a transfer of Rs 6,000 per year in three instalments has been provided.
  • Food security:
    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was launched to provide additional free-of-cost food grains to National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries 5 kg per person per month, over and above the regular monthly NFSA foodgrains.
    • One Nation One Ration Card: to ensure PDS benefit for people in transit, especially migrant workers.
    • Ujjawala Scheme: under the scheme the target was to release 8 Crore LPG Connections to the deprived households by March 2020.
  • Employment Security 
    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan (PM-GKRA) was launched for immediate employment & livelihood opportunities to returnee migrant workers.
    • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): It aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to at least one member of every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. 
    • Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) was launched to reduce the financial burden of the employers and encourages them to hire more workers, implemented by EPFO.
  • Housing 
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin and Urban: To achieve the objective of providing “Housing to All” by the year 2022.
  • Credit
    • PM SVANidhi Scheme to provide working capital loan to urban street vendors to resume their businesses.

Challenges 

  • Low Budgetary Allocation: The budgetary allocation by the government has always been limited E.g., In national social security fund, the amount was a pittance when compared to a requirement of over ₹22,841 crore as estimated by the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability. 
  • Increasing Burden: It is estimated that the cost of providing social protection to the poorest 20% of the workforce would be in trillions, a cost of approximately 0.69% of GDP in FY20.
  • Accessibility: Approximately 91% of India’s workforce works in the informal sector which lacks access to social security. 
  • Coverage: While the Code on Social Security (2020) merged existing social security legislation, it dealt fundamentally with formal enterprises and did not cover informal ones.
  • Compliance Burden: Presence of a complex process to register for social scheme and low awareness is leading to less coverage e.g., e-Shram puts the burden of registration on informal workers, who are required to furnish a self-declaration and share their Aadhaar card.
  • Complex and Confusing Processes: The existing social security framework has become complex, with overlapping areas of authority between the State and Centre, and confusing definitions being used such as between a platform worker, an unorganised worker and someone who is self-employed.
  • Migrant Worker: Migrant workers often face discrimination and suspicion from authorities in their working area, which hinder the effective utilisation of the schemes by them.

Global Practices 

Brazil’s General Social Security Scheme 

  • It is a contribution-based scheme, substituting income loss for a worker and his family, whether in partial or full. 
  • This covers any situation due to an accident at work, a disability that prevents the worker from working, death, an illness/medical treatment etc. 
  • Even income loss that occurs due to a worker being imprisoned is covered by the low-income insured. 
  • Unemployment insurance is paid from worker support funds, and health care is covered through the Unified Health System. 
  • The Constitution itself has established that if there is a lack of funds, the National Treasury will step in.
  • Social security benefits can be availed of with a simple phone call or a visit to a bank, with no requirement to submit endless documents.

Way forward 

  • For Worker: 
    • For formal workers the government should expand employer and employee contribution under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) system. 
    • For informal workers with meaningful income, whether self-employed or in an informal enterprise, partial contributions can be elicited.
    • Government should persuade informal enterprises to formalise and expand their total contribution to the fund.
  • Unemployed Individual: For those who are unemployed or have stopped looking for work, or do not earn enough, the government should step in to make provision for employment and provide for the social security initiatives. 
  • Easy and Wholistic Coverage: Greater support is required for financing social security for most of the India’s labour force.
    • There should be a push for a pan-India labour force card and an expansion of existing successful schemes such as the Building and Other Construction Workers Schemes to other categories of workers. 
    • Such expansion requires a loosening of existing restrictions on benefit portability, having a 90-day mandatory cooling period, as well as a more straightforward registration process.
  • Domestic Worker: Special provisions should be made for domestic workers owing to their uncertain employment. The government should promote the idea of organised domestic worker association.
  • Strengthening Existing Schemes: Government should also strengthen the existing schemes, for example the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESI), and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), with budgetary support and expansion of coverage. 
  • Raising Awareness: Government should give a more significant push to raise awareness about social security to ensure that more workers are aware of the available benefits.
    • Organisations such as the Self-Employed Women’s Association which run Shakti Kendras (worker facilitation centres), may be funded to run campaigns to provide greater information on social security rights, along with services and schemes that the government offers.

With occupations becoming more on-demand and hire/fire rules growing, India's workforce is becoming increasingly job insecure. To ensure that the rewards of growth trickle down while providing a sense of social stability, policymakers must abandon supply-side tweaks in favour of measures that promote equitable growth. 

Reimagining the role of state universities in science education

What is the present status regarding STEM education in India?

  • India produces over 25 lakh graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) every year, across bachelors and masters courses.
  • Among STEM graduates, the aggregate enrolment of students in BSc courses is close to 50 lakh.
  • However, the number of science graduates drops to 2.9 lakh at the masters level (25% of BSc graduates), and even further at the doctoral level, with only 6,000 science PhDs awarded each year.
  • In the QS Global Ranking of 1,000 universities from 82 countries, there are only 23 Indian institutions, with IIT Mumbai at 152, followed by IIT Delhi at 182 and IISc Bengaluru at 184 ranks. 
  • India produced 25,550 doctorates in 2020-21, of which 14,983 were in science and engineering disciplines. This 59 per cent proportion in the overall doctorates compares well with other countries, putting India in the seventh rank overall. 
image 86

What are the associated challenges?

  • Lack of Funding - The expenditure on research as a proportion of GDP has gone down, from about 0.8 per cent at the start of this millennium to about 0.65 per cent now. For the last decade or so, this share has remained stagnant.
  • Lack of research - Only one per cent of universities engage in active research, according to the detailed project report on NRF on account of poor coordination between various departments and lack of interdisciplinary approach.
  • Intellectual property - In 2021, a total of 61,573 patents were filed in India, making it the sixth largest in the world. But this was nowhere close to the nearly 16 lakh patents filed in China, and about six lakhs in the United States that year.

What does NEP 2020 say about this?

  • NEP proposes to increase the overall proportion of Public Expenditure on Education from 10% to 20.9% in the next 10 years. 
  • Of this additional 10.9%, a major share of 5% has been assigned for strengthening the quality / faculty /operations at universities and colleges. 
  • In addition, it recommends greater contribution from the private sector and ‘Not-for-profit’ organisations in education.

What is NRF? 

It was recommended by N.E.P 2020 with a total estimated cost of Rs 50000 cr during five years (2023-28)An apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country.

Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative Department of NRF which will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines.Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Board and the Union Minister of Science & Technology & Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents. NRF’s functioning will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

NRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions, and create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries. It will focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that can encourage collaboration and increased spending by the industry on R&D.

Recently, the government has introduced NRF bill 2023 which will repeal the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008 and subsume it into NRF which has an expanded mandate and covers activities over and above the activities of SERB.

What can be a way ahead?

  • Differentiate the needs for science and technology for a) Science education, b) Professional education and c) Vocational education.
  • Take definite steps to upgrade pedagogical capacity of the science teachers at school, college and university levels and ensure that every school has a science laboratory equipped with fundamental facilities.
  • Identify universities for research grants on the bases of their performance, scientific strength and any special needs which are location specific. 
  • A number of scientists of Indian origin are doing excellent research in the countries abroad. Such persons may be invited to work in India on sabbatical and mentor young researchers. 
  • Healthy collaboration with the private sector R&D facilities could be a win-win situation for faster development of technology and their innovative application. Best performing students may be given an opportunity to work as interns in the private labs with a possibility of placement.
  • Identify programmes in the critical fields for every five years. Strengthen the ones where India has a comparative advantage, or is at par with the global competence.

14 States are yet to join Centre’s flagship education scheme

Context: Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are among 14 States and Union Territories which are yet to sign a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Education Ministry, which mandates the implementation of the National Education Policy in order to avail funds worth almost ₹13,000 crore for the next three years, under the Centre’s flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri- Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) for State-run higher education.

About Pradhan Mantri- Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) 

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) was a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to fund State/UTs institutions, with the vision to attain higher levels of access, equity, and excellence in the State higher education system with greater efficiency, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.

The scheme's first phase was launched in 2013 and the second phase was established in 2018. Now, in the light of the National Education Policy, the RUSA scheme has been launched as Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).

  • It covers government and government-aided institutions of the States and UTs.

Objectives of PM-USHA

  • To improve the overall quality of existing state higher educational institutions by ensuring their conformity to prescribed norms and standards and adoption of accreditation as a quality assurance framework; 
  • Usher transformative reforms in the State higher education system by creating a facilitating institutional structure for planning and monitoring at the state level, promoting autonomy in State Universities, and improving governance in institutions; 
  • Implementation of recommendations of the NEP 2020 through funding support provided to State HEIs;
  • Ensure governance, academic, and examination (and evaluation) reforms in the State higher educational institutions and establish backwards and forward linkages with school education on one hand and employment market, on the other hand, to facilitate self-reliance and thus create an Atma-Nirbhar Bharat; 
  • Create an enabling atmosphere in the higher educational institutions to devote themselves to research and innovations; 
  • Correct regional imbalances in access to higher education by facilitating access to high-quality institutions in urban & semi‐urban areas, creating opportunities for students from rural areas to get access to better quality institutions, and setting up institutions in unserved & underserved areas;
  • Developing infrastructure for ODL/Online/Digital mode of education in such States/UTs;
  • Improve equity in higher education by providing adequate opportunities for higher education to socially deprived communities; promote inclusion of women, minorities, SC/ST/OBCs, and special-abled persons; 
  • To identify and fill up the existing gaps in higher education, by augmenting and supporting the State Governments’ efforts; 
  • Enhancing employability through skilling and vocationalization; 
  • Improving the accreditation status of accredited institutions and getting accreditation of non-accredited institutions; 
  • Providing better hostel facilities in remote areas; 
  • Establishing New Model Degree Colleges in the districts where there are no Government and Government-aided institutions; 
  • Focusing on low GER, Left Wing Extremism (LWE), border area districts, aspirational districts and districts with higher SC/ ST populations; and 
  • Focus on multidisciplinary education, including STEM, commerce and humanities fields of education.

A New Form of Untouchability

Context: Recently, a video, purportedly showing villagers from the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh taking an oath to implement an economic boycott of Muslims, went viral on social media. This was not a spontaneous reaction of the villagers to a brawl in the village but was allegedly orchestrated by a Hindutva outfit. The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) is known to distribute pamphlets calling for the economic boycott of those it labels “anti-national, anti-Hindu, love jihadists” — all convenient epithets to convey a communal message.

Why it is a new form of Untouchability?

  • These acts are not merely ‘expressions of hate’; they can be characterised as the emergence of a new form of untouchability guided by the political imperatives of Hindutva rather than the religious dictates of Hinduism.
  • A progressive re-articulation of the concept of untouchability or a re-reading of the anti-discrimination legislation is required to end this abomination.
  • The hierarchical caste-based Hindu social order was governed by the ideology of purity and pollution. The primary function of the ideology was to maintain the ritual hierarchy.
  • Untouchability was a mechanism through which power was exercised over the Dalits and the hierarchy was reinforced.
  • One of the most common forms of untouchability was the imposition of social and economic boycotts on Dalits if they dared to transgress social norms or exercise their rights.
  • In Ambedkar’s opinion, the method of boycotting was more effective than even open violence.
  • Collective discrimination, marginalisation and disempowerment were justified as the right of the individual to choose freely in a marketplace.
  • He argued that the boycott was effective for two reasons – one, the Dalits constituted a minority within the village; and two, they were economically weaker and hence, dependent on the ‘upper’ castes. Therefore, it was of paramount importance to outlaw this ‘tyranny of the majority’ for their uplift.

Limits of anti-boycott laws

  • During the freedom struggle, the struggle to eradicate untouchability gained momentum. This struggle found its highest expression in the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution under Articles 14, 15 and 17. However, although untouchability was abolished, its definition remained vague.
  • Even during the Constituent Assembly debates, it was argued that the scope of untouchability should be restricted to practices related to religion and caste, lest it be left open to unwarranted tinkering; however, the Assembly voted against such a circumscribed definition.
  • Therefore, the limits of untouchability under Article 17 have been contested.
  • While the conservatives restrict it to caste-based discrimination, the progressives argue that it includes other forms of untouchability as well.
  • However, there is a consensus that only those acts which are motivated by the ideology of purity and pollution are considered within the ambit of untouchability. These include social and economic boycotts.
  • In India, mere provision of rights has proved to be insufficient to prevent marginalisation owing to the practice of untouchability. Hence, the legislature and the judiciary have had to make and interpret special laws to that effect.
  • Two laws that explicitly make social and economic boycotts punishable are The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Maharashtra Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2016.
  • However, the scope of both is restricted to criminalising caste-based discrimination and boycotts.
  • The tethering of anti-boycott or untouchability laws to the tenets of purity and pollution and restricting their scope to caste-centric boycotts make them ineffective in countering the calls for the economic boycott of Muslims.
  • Hindutva is using pre-constitutional methods to disempower a community.
  • It is not driven by the motive of maintaining ritual hierarchy but by the political imperatives of exclusion. Its ultimate objective is to ethnicise the Hindu identity. Such public calls for boycotts are a means of constructing such an identity.
  • The act of collectively resolving to boycott Muslims reinforces their ‘othering’ and re-emphasises the VHP’s idea of ‘Hinduness’; reconstituting Hinduism, based on caste hierarchy, into a unified, ethnic whole, where the figure of the Dalit is replaced by the Muslim as the significant ‘other’.

Way forward

  • These grave new developments need to be taken into cognisance and an urgent politico-legal response to such public calls for a Muslim economic boycott is required as they militate against the principle of fraternity enshrined in the Constitution.
  • This can be done by a progressive redefinition of untouchability or by expanding the scope of the anti-boycott laws to include discrimination against religious communities.
  • Other than these legal measures there is an urgent need to ensure socio-economic upliftment of the Muslim community.
  • Civil society should come forward to raise voices against such boycott calls.

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